That Smile

Oh man. This spitfire. From the moment he ran onto that playground, I could tell I was about to have fun! BIG doesn’t even begin to describe the smile on his face. Massive. Gigantic. Immense. Contagious. Is more like it. There didn’t appear to be a shy bone in Ross’ body, as he came right for us….or maybe he came right for our treat bag. Ross looked in the bag, then looked into my eyes for approval. I nodded. Ross chose candy and a necklace. And somehow that smile got even bigger. After picking out his prizes, Ross looked at me, and pointed to the slide. “Let’s go” I shouted! It didn’t need translation. Ross grabbed my hand and over we went. He made sure I was in the perfect spot at the base of the slide to watch him play. And play he did! Laughing. Smiling. Engaging. Being a happy-go-lucky, fun boy. When I had to go help with other children, Ross made sure to get another audience member, and grabbed another team member’s hand. He led her right over to that slide so she too could ooh and aah over his antics.

After a few wonderful hours, the time was coming to wrap up and send the kids inside. Ross immediately let us know that he was NOT happy about this, and wanted to stay with us. That’s when the tears came. And when they came for Ross, they came for the whole team too. This sweet, fun, spunky, energetic, HAPPY boy did not want to go back to his life. He wanted to stay where there was doting, and laughter, and attention. Oh how Ross would flourish in a family, surrounded by doting, and laughter, and attention every day.

Ross is available for adoption through Madison Adoption Associates. He is 6 years old and diagnosed with a missing eye, repaired cleft lip, and dental issues. There is a $2,000 agency grant available to the family who adopts Ross. Email sarah@madisonadoption.org for more information.

MAA Adoption Programs

Madison Adoption Associates currently offers international adoption programs in the countries of China, the Philippines, and Bulgaria. Our programs mostly focus on placing children who have special medical needs.